Carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses coupled with palynological data of PM10 in Wrocław city (SW Poland)--assessment of anthropogenic impact.

We have applied both palynological and carbon and nitrogen isotopic analyses of PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter of 10 μm or less) to trace its origin and to assess the anthropogenic impact for the area under study. The PM10 samples were collected in Wrocław (SW Poland) by the Regional Inspectorate for Environment Protection during the year 2007. The usefulness of the palynological observations in the case of PM10 is much lower than that for total suspended particles due to the resolution of absorbed particles, but is still helpful for distinguishing C(3)/C(4) plants that indicate long-distance transport of pollutants.